Best Above-Ground Pool in 2025
Best Above-Ground Pool in 2025: Real Reviews, Top Brands & Full Cost Guide
Best Above-Ground Pool in 2025
Above-ground pools are the fastest, most affordable way to add a swimming pool to your backyard. But with dozens of brands, materials (steel, resin, hybrid), and sizes on the market, how do you choose the right one in 2025?
We tested, reviewed, and compared 12 top above-ground pools based on real customer feedback, durability reports, and 2025 pricing data. You’ll find honest insights on:
- The top 5 above-ground pool brands in the U.S.
- Real costs (including hidden setup fees)
- Which material lasts longest: steel, resin, or hybrid?
- Best sizes for small vs. large backyards
Let’s cut through the marketing hype.
Average Above-Ground Pool Cost in 2025
Unlike in-ground pools, above-ground pools are priced mostly by size and material. Here’s what you’ll pay in 2025 for a complete setup (pool + liner + basic filter):
| Pool Size | Steel Frame | Resin Frame | Hybrid (Steel + Resin) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ft Round | $300 – $600 | $500 – $900 | $700 – $1,100 |
| 15 ft Round | $400 – $800 | $700 – $1,200 | $900 – $1,400 |
| 18 ft Round | $600 – $1,100 | $1,000 – $1,800 | $1,300 – $2,200 |
| 24 ft Round | $900 – $1,600 | $1,600 – $2,800 | $2,200 – $3,500 |
Note: These prices are for the pool kit only. Installation, sand base, and upgraded pumps add $200–$800.
Best Above-Ground Pool in 2025
Top 5 Above-Ground Pool Brands in 2025
1. Intex (Best Budget Option)
- Best for: Temporary use, renters, kids
- Material: Laminated PVC
- Avg. Price (15 ft): $350–$550
- Lifespan: 2–4 years
- Pros: Extremely affordable, easy setup
- Cons: Not durable in high winds or freezing temps
2. Bestway (Best Mid-Range)
- Best for: Families wanting value + durability
- Material: Steel frame + triple-layer PVC
- Avg. Price (18 ft): $600–$950
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
- Pros: Strong frames, good filtration kits included
- Cons: Customer service can be slow
3. Doughboy (Best Premium Resin)
- Best for: Long-term owners in harsh climates
- Material: 100% resin walls & top rails
- Avg. Price (24 ft): $2,500–$3,800
- Lifespan: 15–25 years
- Pros: Rust-proof, UV-resistant, elegant look
- Cons: Higher upfront cost
4. Atlantic (Best Hybrid)
- Best for: Balance of price and durability
- Material: Steel wall + resin top rails
- Avg. Price (18 ft): $1,100–$1,700
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Pros: Resin top prevents rust, strong steel base
- Cons: Limited color options
5. Wilbar (Best for Custom Looks)
- Best for: Homeowners wanting an in-ground-like style
- Material: Resin or hybrid
- Avg. Price (21 ft): $2,000–$3,200
- Lifespan: 12–20 years
- Pros: Real wood-look panels, deep pools (54″)
- Cons: Requires professional install
Best Above-Ground Pool in 2025
Steel vs. Resin vs. Hybrid: Which Lasts Longest?
Material choice is the #1 factor in longevity:
- Steel: Affordable but prone to rust over time (especially in humid or salty areas). Lifespan: 5–10 years.
- Resin: Completely rust-proof and UV-stable. Best for coastal or high-humidity regions. Lifespan: 15–25 years.
- Hybrid: Combines steel’s strength with resin’s rust resistance. Great middle ground. Lifespan: 10–15 years.
Pro Tip: If you live near the coast or in the Southeast (FL, GA, SC), avoid all-steel pools. Resin or hybrid will save you money long-term.
Best Above-Ground Pool in 2025
Hidden Costs to Expect
Many buyers are surprised by these extra expenses:
- Sand base: $100–$300 (required for warranty)
- Professional installation: $200–$600 (DIY is possible but tricky for 18+ ft pools)
- Upgraded pump & filter: $150–$400 (stock kits are often underpowered)
- Winter cover & kit: $80–$200
- Deck or landscaping: $500–$3,000 (optional but highly recommended)
Real Customer Examples (2024–2025)
- Ohio family: “Bought a 15 ft Bestway for $720 — installed it ourselves in one weekend. Kids love it!”
- Florida retiree: “Paid $2,900 for a 21 ft Doughboy resin pool. No rust after 2 humid summers.”
- Texas homeowner: “Our 18 ft steel pool lasted 7 years — but the top rails rusted badly by year 5.”
FAQ: Above-Ground Pools
How long do above-ground pools last?
Steel: 5–10 years. Hybrid: 10–15 years. Resin: 15–25 years — if maintained properly.
Can you install an above-ground pool yourself?
Yes, for pools under 18 ft. Larger pools (21+ ft) require 2–3 people and careful leveling.
Do above-ground pools increase home value?
Generally, no. They’re seen as personal enjoyment, not permanent upgrades.
Is an above-ground pool not enough for your backyard vision?
If you’re ready to invest in a permanent, low-maintenance solution, we’ve analyzed real 2025 pricing for fiberglass inground pools across the U.S. — including state-by-state costs, top brands (Viking, Blue Hawaiian), and hidden fees most homeowners miss.
What’s the deepest above-ground pool?
Most are 52–54 inches. Brands like Wilbar and Doughboy offer 54″ models.
Final Recommendation
If you want low cost and quick setup → go with **Intex or Bestway**.
If you plan to keep the pool long-term or live in a harsh climate → invest in **Doughboy or Wilbar resin**.
And remember: the best above-ground pool isn’t the cheapest — it’s the one that matches your backyard, budget, and how many summers you plan to enjoy it.
Is an above-ground pool not enough for your backyard vision?
Suppose you’re ready to invest in a permanent, low-maintenance solution. In that case, we’ve analyzed real 2025 pricing for fiberglass inground pools across the U.S. — including state-by-state costs, top brands (Viking, Blue Hawaiian), and hidden fees most homeowners miss.
Best Above-Ground Pool in 2025
